Faculty Learning Community will focus on student career development

A spring 2020 Faculty Learning Community (FLC) will help faculty identify opportunities for enhancing confidence and skills in leading career-related conversations with students. The Facilitating Student Career Development FLC will teach faculty how to actively engage students in career-focused conversations as well as how to collaborate with institutional stakeholders engaged in career development work at OHIO.

This FLC is recommended for faculty who have regular contact with students through advising, supervision or research.

“The FLC provides a space for faculty and staff to feel empowered to support students’ career goals,” said Lindsey Ward, associate director for leadership, inclusion and staff training in the Career & Leadership Development Center. “Participants are empowered to maximize students’ career success in efficient, motivating and practical ways. Participants will leave the FLC prepared to make an immediate impact on students’ career development in their respective unit.”

The intended outcomes of the FLC are as follows:

• Identify a personal strategy to intentionally engage students in career planning and career development conversations both in and out of the classroom
• Communicate examples of when to help students connect with other resources relevant to career development
• Review successful career readiness strategies from colleagues in other disciplines
• Create an artifact demonstrating the value of a degree in their discipline (e.g., student outcome information, marketing materials for recruiting events)

This FLC experience will be offered in two separate cohorts: one cohort intended for faculty and staff at the ecampus and regional campuses, and another group that will meet in person on the Athens Campus. The online cohort will meet via Zoom, with no in-person meetings required.

“The online FLC cohort intentionally prioritizes eCampus and regional colleagues,” said Zach McGrain, associate director for career development integration in the Career & Leadership Development Center. “Over the past year, career development has been aligned and integrated between RHE and Athens, and eCampus connections are being worked on. This is a great opportunity to further identify how to engage students in career readiness.”

Applications for the Facilitating Student Career Development FLC are due by Friday, Dec. 6. The two cohorts will meet throughout spring and fall 2020; both groups will be capped at 12 participants each. All accepted participants who attend 80 percent of the meetings will receive $1,000 in funding to support students’ career development. Attendees will be required to submit a formal proposal prior to the funds’ distribution in fall 2020.

For more information about the FLC and to apply, visit the Facilitating Student Career Development FLC web page. Selected participants will be notified of their acceptance by Friday, Dec. 20.